New Grad No Job- extremely depressed.

Nurses New Nurse

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I know there are other topics on here about this- I've read them all. I'm feeling so so depressed lately. I graduated in October 2011 with my BSN and passed my NCLEX in November.

I started applying for jobs in August, hoping to have one set up when I graduated- with no luck. But I kept high spirits knowing that that would have only been ideal for that to happen and I wasn't really expecting it. So October I started applying again once I graduated (Cum Laude, in Honor Society, etc. etc.). Ok, no call backs, but maybe it's because I didn't pass my NCLEX yet. So, I passed my NCLEX- tried again. This time I applied everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE within a 2 HOUR drive of Chicago (Aurora, Joliet, you name it). Ok. Maybe no call backs because I don't have my license number yet from Illinois. SO I got my license number. applied everywhere again!! and more! even 'unwanted' jobs- abortion clinics, drug rehabs, etc. Still no calls.

I am so so depressed. I am questioning why I got my degree and license. My student loans will be coming soon and me working as a waitress currently will definitely not cut it. Actually it already isn't enough- I have to ask my parents for help with my bills this month. I live with my boyfriend and I'm asking him to relocate with me to central/southern Illinois because maybe I could find a job there, but he says he can't. So I would have to be alone and move somewhere I would absolutely hate.

I am now to the point of applying for irrelevant jobs to nursing- data entry, secretary, receptionist, customer service, and on. (With no luck in that either!!) I need a full time job.

So, in conclusion. Any advice? I am so beyond depressed I can't even eat or sleep.

Ok update... I took all your advice and applied for jobs where I would have to relocate... I had interviews in Iowa on Tuesday. I really really don't want to move there but at least getting experience would be good and worth it. In the mean time I've still been applying all day every day and have not had any luck for any other positions. If they offer me a job in Iowa, I'm gonna take it.

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Ok update... I took all your advice and applied for jobs where I would have to relocate... I had interviews in Iowa on Tuesday. I really really don't want to move there but at least getting experience would be good and worth it. In the mean time I've still been applying all day every day and have not had any luck for any other positions. If they offer me a job in Iowa, I'm gonna take it.

Good job Michelle. I am glad you found something. Just think. It is only a year, only a year. Keep us updated. Also can I ask what city in Iowa?

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Iowa City! Total college town- university of Iowa. My friend goes to school there so at least I would have one friend :/ knowing my luck I won't even get this job.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Think positive. Hopefully you will get the position. It's not easy, but something will happen. Remember, you haven't been searching all that long. Six to eight months is often the norm now. If you have to relocate, concentrate on the fact that you're gaining experience and paying your loans.

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Michelle don't say that. Think positive. I could totally do a college town. There is always diversity and open mindedness in a college town.

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So many know how you feel. It is hard to deal with. After months of applying to everywhere in a two hour radius, I decided to move eight hours away to a really small town. But it is worth gettingy experience at least for two years, for me and my situation. I feel I owe this hospital at least that for taking a chance on me as a new grad, when hospitals nearby wouldnt even interview me. My man-friend came with and there are no jobs in his field, computers. But he is supportive and open for something new and I look at this as an adventure. I wish you good luck and positive outcomes and keep posting with updates on the situation. I bet you will find something soon

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Iowa is a wonderful place to live! Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

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I moved 600 miles for my first nursing job, with nobody but my cats for company. Yes, it's challenging!

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Iowa never called back so I didn't get that job apparently... I had 2 more interviews last week and haven't heard anything from them either. Now I'm starting to think there's something wrong with me since I've had interviews but still can't get a job. I thought all of my interviews went well but apparently not. I researched and prepped really well for all my interviews since I want a job so badly. Idk what else I can do.

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I know there are other topics on here about this- I've read them all. I'm feeling so so depressed lately. I graduated in October 2011 with my BSN and passed my NCLEX in November. I started applying for jobs in August, hoping to have one set up when I graduated- with no luck. But I kept high spirits knowing that that would have only been ideal for that to happen and I wasn't really expecting it. So October I started applying again once I graduated (Cum Laude, in Honor Society, etc. etc.). Ok, no call backs, but maybe it's because I didn't pass my NCLEX yet. So, I passed my NCLEX- tried again. This time I applied everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE within a 2 HOUR drive of Chicago (Aurora, Joliet, you name it). Ok. Maybe no call backs because I don't have my license number yet from Illinois. SO I got my license number. applied everywhere again!! and more! even 'unwanted' jobs- abortion clinics, drug rehabs, etc. Still no calls. I am so so depressed. I am questioning why I got my degree and license. My student loans will be coming soon and me working as a waitress currently will definitely not cut it. Actually it already isn't enough- I have to ask my parents for help with my bills this month. I live with my boyfriend and I'm asking him to relocate with me to central/southern Illinois because maybe I could find a job there, but he says he can't. So I would have to be alone and move somewhere I would absolutely hate.I am now to the point of applying for irrelevant jobs to nursing- data entry, secretary, receptionist, customer service, and on. (With no luck in that either!!) I need a full time job. So, in conclusion. Any advice? I am so beyond depressed I can't even eat or sleep.
Totally understand how u feel,I live in Philadelphia,grad in Dec 2010.And got 0 calls or interviews in philly.
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St. Louis is extremely forgiving to new grads, particularly BJC hospitals. If you could stand the distance, you could try coming here for a year. BJC is accepting applications for their Nurse Residency this whole month (and you don't need to have a MO/compact state license to apply).

I know being without the bf sucks, take it from me. I have been long distance from KY/MO with my boyfriend who lives in CA for over two years now. The market out there is awful, and I graduate in May and am planning on staying here for a year. I was determined not to let that happen, but now I'm realizing that my almost six-figure loans and getting my career started ARE more important than being side by side with him, and he knows it too.

I sincerely urge you to be flexible. The market is awful. Good luck, and I feel for you.

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St. Louis is extremely forgiving to new grads, particularly BJC hospitals. If you could stand the distance, you could try coming here for a year. BJC is accepting applications for their Nurse Residency this whole month (and you don't need to have a MO/compact state license to apply).

I know being without the bf sucks, take it from me. I have been long distance from KY/MO with my boyfriend who lives in CA for over two years now. The market out there is awful, and I graduate in May and am planning on staying here for a year. I was determined not to let that happen, but now I'm realizing that my almost six-figure loans and getting my career started ARE more important than being side by side with him, and he knows it too.

I sincerely urge you to be flexible. The market is awful. Good luck, and I feel for you.

I did a search for BJC hospitals and the first thing is bjc.org but it says "This webpage is not available"

Do you have to have taken the NCLEX to apply to their nurse residency program? I also graduate in May. I am also from CA and came to Puerto Rico to study. I will not look for a job here because I don't speak Spanish. I'll move anywhere and St Loius sounds way better then Minot, ND.

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